Summer on the Short Bus

When 17-year-old Cricket's self-serving behavior crosses a line (she hosts a party in the riding stables), her father sends her to Camp I Can for two weeks. There, she's removed from her privileged life and thrust into the role of counselor for teenagers with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy%E2%80%94to Cricket, "a bunch of retards." Meeting Quinn, a fellow counselor (and a Zac Efron lookalike), and an intense roommate temporarily distract Cricket from what she's certain is her own worst nightmare incarnate. But her narrow-mindedness and insensitive comments (she refers to the campers as "dog-faced") alienate her few potential friends. In her debut novel, Crandell draws from her experience raising a daughter with cerebral palsy, sensitively conveying the impact of stereotypes and hurtful comments without resorting to moralizing. Uncomfortable moments, unflinchingly conveyed, are gingerly balanced with a sense of humor. Crandell creates a maddening yet sympathetic character in Cricket, who is realistically slow to learn her lessons in compassion and human kindness. Ages 13%E2%80%93up. Agent: Rachael Dugas, Talcott Notch Literary Services. (Apr.)